A naïve painting of a little boy with a yellow bird perched on his finger mingles with The Classic Woman, a book published by Playboy in the 1960s that features models in Louvre-like, rather than centerfold poses. The backroom is stacked with hatboxes and lace gowns, which dangle beside a mirror. The faces of iconic woman are all around, scattered between1970s Lanvin floral peasant skirts, Zandra Rhodes pink pleated tops and endless costume jewelry.

Tucked away on 10th Street in Manhattan’s West Village, the vintage store Madame Matovu strikes the perfect balance of kitsch and class. The owner, Rosemary, calls herself a secret hippie. Always lacquered in red lipstick and adorned in a fabulous dress, she has the subtle sensibility of a tastemaker who elevates everyday dressing to an art form. She loves the ’70s and women like Charlotte Rampling, Diana Ross, Jane Birkin and Tina Turner.

And she covets old books. Two such books—those of the previously name-checked icons Diana Ross and Tina Turner—get tucked into a vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase and brought with her whenever she travels; they’re her inspirations, her favorite divas. Stop by when Rosemary’s in town and the store is open, and she’ll let you leaf through them.

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